Deadline set for Sherwood Forest attraction

Andy Done-Johnson

The developers behind a new visitor attraction at Sherwood Forest have been given just six weeks by council bosses to show they have funding in place.

Discovery Attractions was selected in October 2012 as the preferred bidder for a £13m Discover Robin Hood attraction by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The completed centre will replace the existing Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre near Edwinstowe and feature an adventure playground, interactive exhibits, and an open-air theatre.

Council bosses had hoped the new attraction would be open next year but the date has been pushed back to 2016.

Derek Higton from the authority’s cultural services department said: “We have been working with Discovery Attractions since they were announced as the preferred bidder to develop and manage a new visitor centre and a world class Robin Hood attraction at Sherwood Forest.

“We have continued to meet with and support the Discovery team in their work to progress the project and they are fully aware of our concerns related to progress on securing the required project funding.

“We have agreed with Discovery Attractions a deadline of 31 March 2014 to confirm their funding package to us.”

Previously, the county council had voiced its concerns at the slow progress, which has been caused by contractural problems.

Rob Gray from Discovery Attractions said: “Until advised to the contrary by Nottinghamshire County Council we continue to be the preferred bidder and continue to work alongside the council to develop Discover Robin Hood. Although we were surprised by the timing of statements, I can confirm that we have mutually agreed a deadline of March 31st.”